Team Announced For Opening Game

21 May 2004 17:16

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The team to face the Eastern Province Invitational XV in Central Fields, Uitenhage in the first game of the Welsh Women's South Africa tour has been announced.

The squad contains a complete mix of players, with an experienced front row of Amy Broadstock, Nicola John and Catrin Edwards backed up by un-capped players Rachel Brown and Vikki Gaylard in the second row. Flanker Eirlys Lougher, captain of the Welsh Under 19s, steps up to captain the Select XV against the Eastern Province on Tuesday 25th May (kick off 6pm). Five more Under 19s get the call up with Becky Davies at scrum half, Vikki Gaylard in the second row and Gemma Williams, Jess Kidley and Hannah Szigetvari in the backs.

The squad fly to Port Elizabeth on Saturday to begin their 16-day tour of the country. They are the first-ever Welsh Women's squad to go to the Southern Hemisphere where they will undoubtedly gain invaluable experience. With two full tests against the Springboks it won't be an easy task for the young side.

With an average age of just 22, the squad contains many youngsters, with some of the big guns, including captain Mel Berry pulling out through injury. But the coaching staff are not deterred by the lack of experience, "We have an abundance of talent in this squad. There are a couple of highly experienced players in the set-up and they have the right attitude to encourage the younger players."

Head coach Phil John commented, ""We are going to be working hard over the next two weeks and I think we'll see the potential in these players shine through. There is a tough training schedule and playing four games in under two weeks is very demanding, but the tour is more than that. We want to instill in these girls what it takes to be a world-class player, from their attitude, diet, training schedules and lifestyles. It will be a very positive experience for all of them."

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